Tertre du Moulin, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2021
Name: Tertre du Moulin, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2021
Type: Red Bordeaux
Grapes: Mostly Merlot with a good helping of Cabernet Franc
Where to Buy: Trader Joe’s ($15.99 as of October 2025)
Wine Aisle Adventurer, let me pull you over to this quiet beauty from Saint-Emilion. Tertre du Moulin is the sort of bottle that sits on the shelf minding its own business until you pick it up, take it home, and suddenly wonder why you have not been reaching for it all along. It is classic Right Bank Bordeaux built for comfort, not ceremony.
Aroma: What am I smelling and why?
Lean in and you will find an inviting mix of ripe plum, black cherry, and a little blackberry. That is Merlot doing what Merlot does best. Cabernet Franc steps in with gentle herbal notes that feel like a breeze coming through a garden window. You might also notice a soft hint of cocoa or cedar. That comes from the way the wine ages, picking up a bit of polish from the barrel without turning into anything too flashy. Altogether, it smells like someone tidied up a slightly jammy fruit basket and left it next to a wooden bread box. Sound kind of lovely, huh?
Palate: What am I tasting and why?
On the first sip, look for smooth, dark fruit that lands confidently… but not aggressively. This isn’t a “Hi. FRUIT” sort of wine. The tannins feel firm enough to give the wine structure yet relaxed enough that you do not need to brace yourself. Merlot brings the plush texture while Cabernet Franc adds lift, giving the wine a fresher edge that keeps it from feeling heavy. You might catch a touch of spice or a bit of licorice on the finish. That is classic Saint Emilion personality showing up to say bonjour.
Enjoy: How and with what?
This is a bottle built for a cozy dinner. Think roast chicken, mushroom dishes, or anything with earthy flavors that will lean into the wine’s gentle structure. If you happen to be opening it on a quiet night in, it is just as happy beside a good book and a bowl of simple cheese and crackers. Give it a few minutes to open up and it will reward you with layers that unfold at an easy, unhurried pace.
So if you are in the mood for something warm, polished, and reassuring, Tertre du Moulin 2021 is here to guide you into the softer side of Bordeaux without ever leaving you guessing if you grabbed the right bottle.
